Toyota is celebrating 25 years of its popular three-row midsize crossover SUV with the limited-production 2025 Toyota Highlander Limited 25th Edition Hybrid model, showcasing the best of what the Highlander has to offer. While the special-edition hybrid is the headliner, the entirety of the 2025 Highlander lineup—including the gas models—sees minor changes.
If you like options, the Highlander lineup probably has something for you. Gas, hybrid, front-wheel drive (FWD), all-wheel drive (AWD), a value-oriented entry-level version, and a well-equipped luxury model. You name it, the Highlander line offers it.
For 2025, the gas-powered Toyota Highlander comes in five trim levels: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an automatic transmission is standard. Front-wheel drive and AWD are available.
Like its gas-powered counterpart, the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid also comes in five trim levels, including XLE, XLE Nightshade, Limited, Limited 25th Edition, and Platinum. Hybrid models combine a four-cylinder gas engine, two electric motors, and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to provide standard AWD.
As mentioned, the Limited 25th Edition Hybrid is the big story for 2025, dominating the list of exterior changes to the Highlander. Available in either Heavy Metal or Wind Chill Pearl exterior colors, the Limited 25th Edition features silver-painted grille trim, side rocker accents, and bumper trim. There’s also exclusive rear badging on the liftgate. Continuing the theme, the Limited 25th Edition rides on silver-finished 20-inch wheels.
Other exterior changes to the 2025 Highlander lineup include new “Beyond Zero HEV” badges on Hybrid models and a standardized Toyota badge across all trim levels. There are also two new paint colors: Cement, available exclusively on the gas-powered XSE, and Heavy Metal, available on gas and hybrid versions of the XLE, Limited, and Platinum.
Though the Highlander’s interior is much the same for 2025 (XSE models get a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with Sport Mode startup screen), the Limited 25th Edition Hybrid includes several features that dress up the cabin.
Toyota finishes the special-edition SUV’s interior in a new Portobello (like the mushroom) color with standard leather seats. The automaker embosses the front-seat headrests with a “25th Edition” logo, while the same design appears in the standard puddle lamps and on the illuminated door sills. There’s also exclusive 25th Edition floor mats, cargo mat, and key fob glove.
Additionally, the Limited 25th Edition Hybrid gets a standard surround-view camera, triple-zone automatic climate control, and a premium 11-speaker JBL audio system.
All conventionally powered 2025 Toyota Highlanders come standard with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The turbo-four uses an eight-speed automatic transmission with selectable drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Snow.
Front-wheel drive is standard on LE, XLE, and Limited trims, while the XSE and Platinum have standard torque-vectoring AWD. The Limited is available with the enhanced AWD system, while a less-advanced AWD system is optional on the LE and XLE.
Toyota estimates the gas-powered Highlander SUV’s fuel economy to be 25 mpg combined with FWD and 24 mpg with AWD. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.
The more fuel-efficient Highlander Hybrid combines a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with two electric motor-generators. Together, the system puts out 243 hp and 175 pound-feet of torque. A CVT does the shifting, and three drive modes are available: Normal, Eco, and Sport. New for 2025, AWD is standard on all Highlander Hybrid models.
According to Toyota, all versions of the 2025 Highlander Hybrid deliver 35 mpg combined, and the SUV can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
All 2025 Toyota Highlander SUVs, no matter the powertrain, come standard with a Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The lower trims feature an 8-inch touchscreen display, while the upper trims have a 12.3-inch unit. The system offers voice control, over-the-air updates to help keep the software current, and a wide array of connected services, including Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect. The available Connected Service Drive Connect system enables access to an intelligent assistant, cloud navigation, and destination assist.
Toyota’s infotainment system features include Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available Wi-Fi Connect, HD Radio, and a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio. Audiophiles can upgrade to a 1,200-watt, 11-speaker JBL premium audio system. It’s standard on Limited/Limited 25th Edition and Platinum trims and available on the XSE.
On the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) front, every 2025 Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which includes many of the more common safety items found on today’s new vehicles, even those from mainstream brands. Though not part of the TSS 2.5+ ADAS suite, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are also standard. Limited and Platinum trims include front and rear parking assist with automatic braking.
The Toyota Highlander competes in the crowded upper midsize SUV segment with about a dozen other three-row models. Popular rivals include the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Sorento, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, and Nissan Pathfinder.
Despite the sheer number of contenders, few others offer a hybrid powertrain option, giving the Highlander a bit of a leg up. Add to that Toyota’s reputation for quality and reliability, and it’s no surprise the Highlander has historically been among the segment’s best sellers. That said, the recently launched Toyota Grand Highlander—a slightly larger three-row crossover SUV with even more interior space—threatens to cut into the Highlander’s sales volume.
Toyota is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of September 17, 2024, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jeff Youngs has 30 years of experience in the auto industry, including 19 years with JD Power in marketing and editorial management roles. He also spent nearly six years with General Motors as a media relations professional. More recently, as a freelance automotive journalist, his work has appeared on JDPower.com, CarGurus, Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, Autolist, and iSeeCars.
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